[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 89 (Tuesday, July 11, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1373]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO PATRICIA LEWIS OF WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 11, 2006

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and pride that I 
rise today to pay tribute to a long-time friend, Patricia Lewis, or 
``Patsy,'' as she is affectionately known in my community. Patsy will 
be honored in the City of Worcester tonight for her outstanding work 
and unyielding service to the citizens of Massachusetts and our Nation. 
For 20 years Patsy has served as the Executive Director of the 
Worcester Community Action Council, Inc., an agency that was started in 
1965 as the locally designated ``community action'' agency for the 
Economic Opportunity Act under the Johnson Administration. Today, WCAC 
serves as an umbrella agency for 25 education and social service 
programs.
  Since her arrival, Patsy devoted most of her time fighting the good 
fight, serving as an advocate for the poor and the needy with dignity 
and respect. She and her staff along with the Board of Directors are a 
force to reckon with in the fight against poverty.
  Mr. Speaker, Patsy's list of accomplishments is long. She doubled 
WCAC's annual budget; added and expanded services into Southern 
Worcester County; initiated new programs throughout WCAC's service 
area, including fuel assistance, Head Start, Americorps/Cityworks, 
Individual Development Accounts and Food Stamp outreach. Today, WCAC 
serves more than 11,000 households in Central and Southern Worcester 
County with an emphasis on developing self-sufficiency for low-income 
families.
  Patsy has served on numerous human service organizations, including 
the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, United Way Women's 
Initiative, and the YWCA. She has been a joint faculty member of 
Worcester State College and Clark University. She is an alumna of 
Manchester College, Ohio State University, and Boston University.
  Mr. Speaker, my friend Patsy is an individual who cares about people 
and I am truly appreciative of the work she has done for the residents 
of the 3rd Congressional district. As a result of her leadership and 
vision our community is a better place. For her outstanding service I 
ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join 
me in honoring Patricia ``Patsy'' Lewis.

                          ____________________